Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality constructs 104m footbridge in Mayflower

To address long-standing accessibility challenges faced by the residents of Ngodini Section in Ward 7, significant progress has been made by the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality (CALLM) in the construction of a footbridge.

The project is currently about 90% complete, with expectations set for an end-of-April completion.

According to Thapelo Phetla, CALLM’s spokesperson, during the summer or rainfall season, children from the area often cannot attend school due to the rivers flooding.

“This issue underscored the critical need for the footbridge, which will provide safe passage regardless of weather conditions.”

He also said all labourers working on the project are from the village nearby.

The municipality indicated on its Facebook page that this would be the longest footbridge CALLM has undertaken to build at a length of 104m.

Despite the progress, challenges persist, Phetla said.

“Procuring and delivering steel to the site has proven difficult due to the poor conditions of the road infrastructure. Nevertheless, the municipality remains committed to overcoming these obstacles, having allocated R1.5m towards the project.”

Phetla also said when the bridge is finished, the municipality will receive a maintenance plan from the appointed service provider, ensuring long-term functionality and safety.

“Guide rails on the sides will be installed for safety measure and easy walking.”

The community has eagerly anticipated the construction of the footbridge, as it will replace the makeshift wood crossings with a reliable and secure alternative.

Phetla said an invitation would be extended to Highvelder for the handover to the community. The paper will update its readers at that stage.